Why am I grieving the loss of my bladder before cystectomy surgery?

It’s not silly and you are allowed to feel how you feel. I am deeply sorry that this is happening to you regardless of your age. All of this is hard to accept. I myself struggle with accepting my own path and treatments with all the side effects. I have a customer who has had one for 7 years and has no issues. It’s the mental thing that is the hardest to deal with I think. I might suggest watching some videos on it or even some tik tok people who have them. It makes it easier to understand and relate too then medical staff explaining things. At least it’s helped me. Just allow yourself your feelings and cry when you need to. God bless and you are in my prayers.

The grief you're experiencing is completely normal and valid - losing any part of yourself, especially one that's been with you your whole life, naturally brings up complex emotions even when the surgery is medically necessary. Many people going through similar procedures find that acknowledging these feelings, rather than dismissing them as silly, is an important part of processing this major life change. You're not alone in feeling this way, and this community understands the emotional weight of what you're facing.

I see a onacolgist on Tue and because of AI know removing my bladder is a real possibility. If needed I prefer that over the cancer spreading. Yes there are several videos on You Tube that have helped prepare me.

My top tip: avoid belted pants. Elastic top, draw strings is much better. I am now 5 weeks post-surgery, finding it easy to go out. I'm using one-piece pint bag with night bag connector, no leaks.

I've been wearing suspenders for almost a year now, just because they are comfortable.

Hi, I understand you feelings whoke heartedly. I had a cystectomy, complete hysterectomy, 22 lymph nodes reed and an ilea conduit on June 10th last year. I had a rare cancer (Sarcomatoid Urethiel Carcinoma). I didn’ have much of a choice with treatment. The statistics relating to this cancer were not enough to determine a healthy positive outcome. The Ostomy bag isn’ that bad. I have my life which is al l that counts. I’m 71 and going to be a great grandmother for the 2nd time in October this year. I had a long 7 hour robotic surgery. It was scary I have never been hospitalized accept for the birth of my 2 girls. I wish you cancer free results and a happy future. I had a Pet scan recently after 4 infusions if Keytruda and I’m cancer free so far. I am having immunotherapy (Keytruda) every 21 days for a year making sure this cancer isn’t hiding somewhere. I am having side effects from Keytruda but they are being managed with an exceptional cancer team. You are so youn and Life is so worth the fight. Best of Luck to you.🙏🏻

Thoughts and prayers are with you my friend. I know all the best wishes don't sound all that great for you, but believe me, everyone is behind you, and you got this. Be cancer free and live a great life after this. God bless

To Cody B: Ketruda caused a huge side effect in my case. The black box warning for rash/itch came true for 85% of my skin. Now being effectively managed with Dupixent.